The Wager

Chen Zhuo went out with his sword.

The Blood Sword made every step a burden. Its baleful chill swirled around him without pause, forcing him to use his Divine Sense to drive it away.

At least it strengthened his Divine Sense.

Chen Zhuo took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Outside, a female cultivator in a blue-green robe stood quietly beside the corridor. The door opened without warning, startling her. She hurriedly turned and bowed respectfully. "Martial Uncle Chen!"

It was the same Martial Niece Zhang who had attended him before, a cultivator at the Qi Refining Ninth Layer.

"Martial Niece Zhang."

Chen Zhuo nodded slightly, his tone gentle. "I've just begun to master the Sword Manual. I'd like to find somewhere to practice and put my swordsmanship to the Sword Trial."

Martial Niece Zhang froze.

He's just begun to master the Sword Manual?

Hadn't this young Martial Uncle Chen received instruction from Ancestor Xu only a few days ago? How could he have made an "initial breakthrough" already?

Was this what a Heavenly Spiritual Root was capable of?!

A Heavenly Spiritual Root indicated aptitude, of course, not necessarily comprehension.

But those who possessed one were usually quick-witted. Even if their comprehension was not at the very top, it was far beyond that of ordinary cultivators.

Still, to grasp the Sword Manual in just a few days...

It proved that young Martial Uncle Chen's comprehension defied the heavens!

This... this...

The heavens were blessing the Qiwu Sword Sect!

Martial Niece Zhang was delighted. Born into a cultivation clan but raised by the sect from childhood, she felt far more affection for the sect than for her Lineage. The prospect of its revival naturally filled her with joy.

Though still shaken, Martial Niece Zhang smiled and said respectfully, "Martial